Ash Gillis, Mike Lenguiza, and Carter Hu​nt (in Recreation Park and Tourism management) are studying the psychological consequences of being in nature and the implications of these consequences on subsequent actions. We are assessing and promoting self-reflection and meaning making while in one's own yard, at botanical centers, and on vacation. The consequences examined in collaboration with Mt Cuba Center in Delaware include encourage residential development of sustainable landscapes via planting more native plants. Other consequences include changes in thoughts about the self, nature and integrating the two, and implications for achieving sustainability insights and engaging in voluntary simplicity.

Web of Life and Systems Thinking

The web of life is composed of our relationships with other people and the relationships of people with the planet. Whether people think about the web of life, their place in the web, and the place of people relative other life forms may influence how they choose to protect or influence the web. Thus, our work includes the development of thoughts about people's place within the context of what may be visible to them across the horizon, their place as connected to all that is above and below them, and their connection to those that came before them and after them. I am currently working with Jessica Myric in the Bellisario College of Communication, Alex Klippel in Geography, and Tim White in Earth and Mineral Sciences to examine these ideas through the application of virtual reality as a means of teaching people about the "Critical Zone" and specifically the food, energy, water nexis.

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